When the Europe winter weather is getting you down, you’ve visited all the museums and money is tight, a visit to an Art House Cinema can be a great option! Screening old classics in small, rustic rooms, an Art House Cinema charges little money for a great cinematic experience.

In this list you’ll find some of Europe’s nicest and coziest Art House Cinemas as spotted by our Locals! In random order, we present a list of great Art House cinemas in European cities!

Enjoy!

1. The Movies – Amsterdam

The Movies, Amsterdam (by The Movies)

The Movies is the oldest movie theatre in Amsterdam that’s still at work. “Dating back to 1912, this cinema has kept its original Art Deco style which makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time!” Although it has been renovated, the cinema kept its historic style elements, it’s truly fascinating.

2. Cinema Zuid – Antwerp

Cinema Zuid, Antwerp (by Cinema Zuid)

“At Cinema Zuid you can always attend a screening in a relaxing setting, quench your thirst for qualitative moving images and watch a few films that we have collectively forgotten.” They some some great classics at Cinema Zuid, it’s a great night out for film lovers.

3. Danaos cinema – Athens

Danaos Cinema, Athens (by Dimitris Hall)

Danaos is one of the cinemas you can count on because you know that it will be playing the good ones. Not the overly underground art house ones, not the unashamed blockbusters either; the good ones, be they Hollywood, animated films, European, even Greek cinema, which is flourishing in recent years. “Watching a film and then going for a beer nearby is a combination that’s quickly becoming a personal favourite of mine, especially on Wednesdays when entrance goes for just €5“.

4. Cines Renoir – Barcelona

Cines Renoir, Barcelona (by telefono-gratis.com)

In the Raval neighborhood you can find many great bars, but also cinemas. One of these cinemas is Cines Renoir, one of the great things about it is that they show films in their original language, not only dubbed films like many other cinemas in Spain do. It also has a great bar opposite to it, El Laurel, nice to visit after your movie visit. “The cinema itself offers a great mix of the common blockbusters and some art house films“.

5. Illegal cinema – Belgrade

Illegal Cinema, Belgrade (by tkh-generator.net)

Illegal cinema is the place to see hard-to-find documentaries, activist, queer, anarchist, forbidden and underground films. The entrance is free but the space is limited to only 30 seats. Screenings take place every Sunday at 18:00 in a small cultural centre Magacin. ““Illegal Cinema” became a kind of an institution which is still going strong seven years later”.

6. The Moviemento – Berlin

Moviemento, Berlin (by Sharon Mertins)

Moviemento is a favorite place for local independent filmmakers to show their films. It’s also for those who are tired of mainstream arts. There are International movies being shown mostly in their original languages with subtitles. “the venue itself is well worth a look, and you can always sit down and have a cup of coffee or beer while you check the program“.

7. Lumière – Bratislava

Lumière, Bratislava (by Kino Lumière)

“Lumière Cinema is the best art cinema in Bratislava. Its programme is far away from main stream, the movies played here are not played in multiplex cinemas, so they give you an insight into top artistic, non commercial cinematography.” They have a great program and shows films in their original language. The place was closed for about two years, but luckily it opened back up in the summer of 2016.

8. Cinematek – Brussels

Cinematek, Brussels (by CINEMATEK)

Cinematek offers a great variety of classics, rare cult movies, experimental cinema, directors/actors or genres from very old to more recent highlights of movie history collected by the Royal Movie Archive. Better to buy your tickets upfront, on the busy nights they are sold out quickly. “Founded in the thirties last century, the Royal Movie Archive started to build one of the most important quality movie collections in the world“.

9. Hátsó Kapu – Budapest

Hátsó Kapu, Budapest (by HK Produkció)

Hátsó Kapu is a unique and unexpected place. A big room and an amphitheatre is all they need to be a cinema, a conference room, a venue for concerts or just a local pub. Doesn’t matter what, this art centre will catch you forever! “HK is one of those places that make a big city amicable, you always see familiar faces“.

10.Weisshaus Kino – Cologne

Weisshaus Kino, Cologne (by Julia Krakau)

Weisshaus Kino shows films for people from all walks of life. Anything from art house to the newest James Bond. “I especially like the 50s-style entrance hall and stairway. A great vintage counter (which perfectly fits with the architecture) is the eye-catcher in the entrance hall. Here you can order a beer or ice cream before your film starts“.

11. Empire Bio – Copenhagen

Empire Bio, Copenhagen (by Pernille Grønnegaard Møller)

Empire Bio is a hidden cinema, tucked away in a small street where you wouldn’t expect to find it. It has a cozy, charming vibe and a little café on the inside to make you feel even more at home! They show must-sees, but also smaller independent productions. “All in all, they make room for the narrow films and a different movie experience than the regular Hollywood theater offers – before and during the film“.

12. The Irish Film Institute – Dublin

The Irish Film Institute, Dublin (by Maria Kurpskaya)

The Irish Film Institute is a hidden treasure in a narrow Georgian building on Eustace Street. It is one of the first cultural centres which moved into the area and trigger its regeneration. Come here to enjoy newly realised independent films and classics. For people with more interest in film than the occasional blockbuster, this is a great place. Our local Maria agrees: “it’s one of the safest bets whenever there’s a screening going on of a lesser-known, hype-free type of movies“.

13. Cameo Cinema – Edinburgh

Cameo Cinema, Edinburgh (by Stu Anderson)

Do you like to watch a great movie in a perfect location? Cameo Cinema is must visit cinema for you. It is one of the oldest cinemas in Scotland. According to our Spotter Stu “Film fans of all genres can expect to find something for them in The Cameo.” They have a great programme which mixes mainstream, independent film and world film. And they also have nice events like Vintage Friday, where they show classics.

14. Cinema Odeon – Florence

Cinema Odeon, Florence (by Davide Vecchio)

Cinema Odeon is situated in a building with quite some history, according to our Florence Local Francesco “it is situated in the very centre of the town, in a beautiful historical building named Palazzo dello Strozzino, once owned by the Strozzi family, one of the most powerful and influential in town (they used to be bankers)“. The interior is especially charming. It is a one of few places where you can watch movies in their original language, only with Italian subtitles.

15. Mal Sehn – Frankfurt

Mal Sehn, Frankfurt (by Christian Paulus)

According to our Frankfurt local Christian “Kino Mal Sehn is for all cinephiles arthouse-movie-lovers“. It’s a smaller cinema, combined with a cute and cozy restaurant-bar. Mal Sehn was the first arthouse cinema in Frankfurt, and got started back in 1984!

16. Cinéma Spoutnik – Geneva

Cinéma Spoutnik, Geneva (by Juliette Bourquin)

Cinéma Spoutnik is a great catch if you’re looking for non-commercial movies to watch, as their goal is to show movies outside of the mainstream. Even the type of film they use is different, “it takes care to show movies with different formats (Super-8, 16mm, 35mm, and video) and length such as short and featured films”.

17. Studio Skoop – Ghent

Studio Skoop, Ghent (by Studio Skoop)

If you like to catch a movie and prefer avoiding the commercial atmosphere of the big chains this is your cinema. They’re very intimate and make your movie-experience unique, “no screaming children, no popcorn, no buckets of coke. Just pure cinema as it should be!“. Studio Skoop offers not only independent movies but also the best commercial ones.

18. Glasgow Film Theatre – Glasgow

Glasgow Film Theatre (by GFT)

Did you know Quentin Tarantino is a big fan of The GFT? Nothing else to say about this classic old gem. The place also hosts the Glasgow Film Festival, which is also well worth a visit. According to our local Gill “there’s always a superb choice of films and even some freebies at 10:30am on some days“. Just go there and enjoy its eclectic programme yourself!

19. FilmRaum – Hamburg

FilmRaum, Hamburg (by Sebastiana Turra)

Dedicated to the cinematic cultural life in Hamburg, FilmRaum shows movies considered off-the-beaten track. “As a repertory cinema, their program offers a lot of exciting, intellectual arthouse movies (usually in original language), oftentimes with the director present and available for discussions about their work“.

20. Orion – Helsinki

Orion, Helsinki (by Elokuvateatteri Orion)

Orion is one of our Helsinki local Janiina’s favorite places, and for good reason “it is the only cinemathéque in Helsinki, showing films from the very first films ever made to great classics and rare gems but also new, interesting films“. The place has been showing films since 1920, so it’s quite a historic gem. Besides the great films Orion shows, the buildings’ architecture and the interior are also beautiful.

21. Rexx – Istanbul

Rexx Cinema Istanbul (by Deniz Dönmez)

Rexx is one of the few independent cinemas in Istanbul. Movies are screened in their original language with Turkish subtitles, apart from movies for kids. Rexx is also a place to watch movies during Filmekimi and Istanbul Film Festival. “It’s one of those places with a charming everyday feel and a neighborhood atmosphere“.

22. Zhovten cinema – Kiev

Zhovten Cinema, Kiev (by Кінотеатр «Жовтень»)

Zhovten Cinema offers a great selection of festival movies, arthouse and short films. Our Spotter Alex’s favorite is a short films night – when they show short movies all night long. The cinema also hosts an international movie festival called Molodist which is popular among arty people.

23. Kino Kika – Krakow

Kino Kika, Krakow (by KIKA)

Kino Kika has a peaceful atmosphere and is located away from local tourist attractions. According to our Spotter Zuzanna, it is a nice and cosy place to rest, have a coffee or relax and watch a nice film. “Apart from cinema rooms, where films are played, there is also a nice cafe, where you can come for your morning coffee (it is great!) or just order one of their decent beers“.

24. Cinemateca – Lisbon

Cinemateca, Lisbon (by Nuno Lopes de Paula)

“Ever since it was created in 1948, the Portuguese Cinematheque has been working as an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Cinema.” Cinemateca takes place in a 19th century well preserved building in Art Nouveau style with an impressive Neo-Mudejár atrium. Inside this fascinating cinema you will find a coffee shop, a museum and a very charming open-air terrace.

25. Kinoteka – Ljubljana

Kinoteka, Ljubljana (by Jost Derlink)

Kinoteka is one of two art cinemas in Ljubljana with the nice cinema interior from 30s. You can watch movies of different genders from all over the world but never too commercial. “Usually they show 2 films per day and I think you can see each film only once, so be careful not to miss your favorite movie on the big screen!”.

26. The Barbican Cinema – London

Barbican Cinema, London (by Barbican Centre)

Inside of a brustalist style architectural beauty you can find the Barbican Cinema. “For me, what makes this cinema great is its impeccable selection of films – a mixture of the best new releases and timeless classics from every era“. Apart from just viewing films, you can often have a little discussion or Q&A after screenings.

27. Artistic Metropol – Madrid

Artistic Metropol, Madrid (by Artistic Metropol)

Fans of bizarro cinema shouldn’t miss their horror, cult and B-series movies selection. Don’t forget to visit Artistic Metropol‘s store where you can find DVDs, books, limited editions, packs, out-of-stock editions, plus cult/collectors stuff like original posters or toys. “In addition to all these screenings, the cinema also works as a window to new filmmakers who just want to have an official release of their projects”.

28. HOME – Manchester

HOME, Manchester (by Joe Holdsworth)

HOME in Manchester is not only a cinema, it is an arts centre. Have a drink, a bite to eat, visit a gallery or see a movie, you can do it all here. HOME is the place to go to if you want to see some more independent cinema. “The curators here know their stuff and, apart from showing the latest releases, they are always devising festival programmes dedicated to different genres, eras and nationalities”.

29. Cinema Mexico Rocky Horror House – Milan

Cinema Mexico Rocky Horror House, Milan (by Ivan Kalinov)

If you are interested in original version movies with an inexpensive price Cinema Mexico Rocky Horror House is your cinema! A true gem, considering there aren’t many cinema’s in Milanthat screen movies in English. “Tip – Complete your night out at the Rocky Horror Cinema with dinner at the neighboring restaurant “Fiore” that serves excellent Italian fair in relaxed setting“.

30. The Solovey Cinema Center – Moscow

The Solovey Cinema Center, Moscow (by Maria Selezneva)

The Solovey Cinema Center is a true cinema for the people. The films shown are screened for a certain amount of time, based on visitor feedback. So ‘Le Fabuleux Destin d’Amélie Poulain’ for example was shown for 37 months because it was so popular, it is a true classic after all. “I often come here in the morning: the tickets are much cheaper, it’s not overcrowded, and I may watch not only one movie a day“.

31. Werkstattkino – Munich

Werkstattkino, Munich (by Kleopatra Polyzou)

Werkstattkino is one of the unusual cinemas in Munich. There is no place for blockbusters, the real showstoppers here are cult films. “This looks more like a handmade small cinema: at the cinema’s foyer, a small table is the box office, and don’t expect any luxury inside the room – but this is part of its charm, anyway“.

32. Kunstnerens Hus– Oslo

Kunstnerens Hus, Oslo (by Sinead Wyer)

Kunstnerens Hus in Oslo is based on an artist-run foundation. The building features a gallery showing both Norwegian and foreign art, a restaurant/bar, a bookstore and an art house cinema. “The cinema runs from Friday to Sunday and focuses on films that wouldn’t usually be shown at mainstream cinemas and they have a good overview on their website (also in English)“.

33. Le Lucernaire – Paris

Le Lucernaire, Paris (by Julia Fortuin)

Our Spotter Julia Fortuin likes Le Lucarnaire because “ through the eyes of a local, one could think of this place as a bit old-fashioned, but then this is what I particularly what I first loved about it – and I actually still do”. The place is not just a cinema, but also features a restaurant/bar and theater. It is a great spot to experience Parisian culture.

34. KIC Budo Tomovic, Podgorica

KIC Budo Tomovic, Podgorica (by Maja Markovic)

KIC Budo Tomovic is a public institution, therefore the focus lies on hosting cultural and informational events. Amongst others they show films, which our local Maja is very happy about, “my favorite thing about this place is that they often organize movie nights“. They host movie screenings twice a month. One is organized together with an embassy, so it shows foreign films. The other usually has a genre, artist or director as its theme.

35. Passos Manuel – Porto

Passos Manuel, Porto (by Fernando Ribeiro)

According to our Spotter Fernando, “the place breathes art as you enter“. Passos Manuel is more than a cinema. Besides the bar, you can also come here for concerts, festivals, conferences, exhibitions etc. Just check the agenda and find the event of your taste.

36. Bio Oko – Prague

Bio Oko, Prague (by Ivana Pivarníková)

Bio Oko is a single-screen cinema presenting old, first run movies as well as art projects. There is also a café/bar with a pleasant atmosphere. If you want to see a movie or just hang out with friends this is the place to for you. “You wouldn’t find the classic seats there – every piece of seating, sofas and chairs are just randomly put in front of the screen and it’s up to you to pick out which one you consider the most comfortable“.

37. Sabota– Prishtina

Sabota, Prishtina (by Art Koci)

Sabota is a place to have a beer, a chat and have fun in general. People here are very approachable, which is why this a great place to get to know locals a bit better. On Mondays they usually show movies. The content varies quite a bit, expect anything from LGBT+ rights to Kurdish music. “The beer is cheap, rakia and the tea are good, and there are two adorable rescue dogs that you can play with if you have had enough of human company“.

38. Splendid Palace – Riga

Splendid Palace, Riga (by Martins Veidemanis)

Forget about crunching popcorn. Splendid Palace is magnificent, located in a rococo historical building. Check the program and come here to watch festival award-winning movies, documentaries as well as movies from local producers. “If you decide to give it a try please definitely catch a movie in the large Hall. You will be blown away by how glamorous the auditorium is“.

39. Cinema dei Piccoli – Rome

Cinema dei Piccoli, Rome (by Cinema dei Piccoli)

This is the smallest cinema you will ever see, literally (they’re in the Guiness World Book of Records). Cinema dei Piccoli has one movie projector, a screen and 63 seats. “Don’t expect any Hollywood productions though, it’s mostly European independent productions that are shown there“. Although they don’t have a large capacity and can’t show many movies, their selection is great and the place is definitely worth a visit.

40. Cinerama – Rotterdam

Cinerama. Rotterdam (by Rénia Sastrowidjojo)

Film fans won’t want to miss out on a trip to Cinerama – Independent and some commercial screenings in one of the “two cinemas left standing with an alternative programme besides the mainstream Pathé”. Cinerama also has a nice cafeé to hang out in before or after your movie.

41. Angleterre Cinema Lounge – Saint Petersburg

Anglettere Cinema Lounge, Saint Petersburg (by Dmitriy Ivanov)

Angleterre Cinema Lounge is located in a conference hall at the Angleterre – a four-star hotel which has history stretching back to the 19th century. It is the perfect place for those people who are tired of dubbed commercial blockbusters, according to our Local Dmitriy: “its film selection is generally slanted to the art-house side, and the films are shown in the original language, with subtitles, – much to the relief of those, like myself, who get annoyed by the overdubbed movies which dominate St Petersburg’s cinemas“.

42. Cinemateque – Skopje

Cinemateque, Skopje (by Bojana Trajkovska)

Skopje has an amazing art house cinema that feels like a museum of film. Cinemateque focuses mostly on independent features and documentaries. Almost every month they pay tribute to a specific country’s cinematography by offering a marathon week program with movies from that country. “The Cinémathèque is dedicated to bringing what they like to think of as essential cinema“.

43. G8 – Sofia

G8, Sofia (by Yana Alexieva)

Sadly Sofia is affected by the wave of big malls and multiplexes, this makes G8 all the more special. It’s a smaller, quieter movie theater. “The place combines good films with a nice glass roof café where you can benefit from the fast Internet“. In summer they often host outdoor screenings, with a free drink!

44. Sõprus Cinema – Tallin

Sõprus Cinema, Tallinn (by Kino Sõprus)

Inside a Stalin’s Empire style building you can find Sõprus Cinema. The place also hosts a casino, but the cinema is a better trip. The movies they show are art house films and old retrospectives. Sometimes the place also hosts music performances, lectures, stand up shows and more! “It’s a pleasure to watch films there, there’s a bar in the screening room with a smoking area, no disturbing commercials and no popcorn“.

45. Cinematheque – Tel Aviv

Cinematheque, Tel Aviv (by Igor Lenivtsev)

Are you a fan of documentaries, retrospectives, independent and festival movies? Then Cinematheque is a must visit spot during your visit to Tel Aviv. Cinematheque also holds a variety of film festivals. “Directors and casts enrich some of the premiere screenings with their presence, so you have a unique opportunity to hear their stories behind the film firsthand“.

46. Cine Makedonikon – Thessaloniki

Cine Makedonikon, Thessaloniki (by Emmanouela Stachtiari)

Cine Makedonikon is perfect for relaxing movie nights. “The program features mostly European films of a variety of genres. Many of them are sort of low-budget or artistic, thought-provoking or controversial; generally the selection contains films that offer more than pure entertainment.” This place is great for a more chill type of movie night, no loud crowds or long lines.

47. Cinema Massimo– Turin

Cinema Massimo, Turin (by Eleonora Diana)

Cinema Massimo will always have a nice surprise for you when you visit. They have a very diverse selection of films to show. “Every week at this cinema you can find something different to see, in addition to the classic programming they plan numerous events and festivals“. For example they have original language movies, monographic moves and multiple festivals such as the Torino Film Festival.

48. Burgkino – Vienna

Burgkino, Vienna (by Burgkino)

At first sight you will notice its retro style exterior. BurgKino is an independent cinema, playing movies (many are not art house though) in their original language. This cinema still has a two leveled audience, so you can enjoy a movie from the balcony like they used to! “It feels just like in the old days – or at least like I imagine them“.

49. Skalvija – Vilnius

Skalvija, Vilnius (by Kamilė Naraitė)

What makes Skalvija a must see in the cinema scene are all the special events organized during the year: festivals, retrospective meetings with filmmakers and much more with an emphasis on local films and documentaries. Skalvija center is the biggest non-commercial center in Vilnius. Our Vilnius local Kamilė prefers this cinema because “it offers quality, non-commercial European and World cinema“.

50. Kinoteka – Warsaw

Kinoteka, Warsaw (by Piotr Czubaszek)

Kinoteka is a cinema located in one of the city’s most iconic buildings, the Palace of Culture and Science. Expect to see some halls designed in social realism style, this place is not your average cinema. “The repertoire is varied and consists of both more commercial Polish and international features, as well as more ambitious European productions since the cinema is part of the Europa Cinema network“.

51. Kino Europa – Zagreb

Kino Europa, Zagreb (by Mirna Marić)

Kino Europa was built in the mid-1920s by the Müller family, who wanted to make it the most modern and stunning cinema in the area. “To this day its main hall remains the most beautiful cinema in Croatia and a temple of independent arthouse repertoire and festivals“.

52. Xenix – Zurich

Xenix, Zurich (by bigzh.ch)

“If you’re a film lover or cineast and thinking about watching a motion picture in Zurich, you should do that at Xenix. This is one of the most reputable indie-cinemas in Switzerland (and probably Europe).” The place came into being in the 80s, and has moved around a lot ever since. Luckily it has been in its current spot for about 30 years, and its here to stay.

We’ve reached the end of this list of great and locals’ favorite Art House Cinemas in Europe. Have you ever been to one of these? Or do you have another recommendation? Leave us a comment!